Hello,
The recent news about Java
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2013/01/11/169156325/computer-users-should-disable-java-7-due-to-security-flaw-experts-say
got my attention since I do banking online using Puppy, and my bank sites require Java.
I don’t know much about Java. While I’m waiting for Oracle to respond to this, I’m hoping the Puppy community (never lacking for strong opinions!) can educate me.
Is Firefox with NoScript adequate protection against this problem, provided I only allow scripts from sites I visit?
Is it sufficient to disable Java in the browser or should Java be deleted from the machine? (in windows, for example)
Do java scripts go away when the browser is closed, or is there the potential for the script to leave malware on the computer?
Thanks.

Not to worry.. Java and JavaScript are entirely different. Fact is, most people don't realize this..

Thanks, Semme. I certainly didn't know that. With javascripts enabled, but with no Java on my machine, I can still do most of what I need to do.
It makes me wonder how often that 137Mb Java folder was actually used!

Not to worry.. Java and JavaScript are entirely different. Fact is, most people don't realize this..

Thanks, Semme. I certainly didn't know that. With javascripts enabled, but with no Java on my machine, I can still do most of what I need to do.
It makes me wonder how often that 137Mb Java folder was actually used!

This issue is the java plugin for your browser. Firefox 18.0 doesn't even support it to begin with, so there's no problem.

That 137 M Java folder could be replaced by an SFS. The reason you're wondering is because very few puppy users know how to use it.

OK, I was wrong when I thought I was beginning to understand. What, if anything, does that plugin do after Java is deleted? Is it just an interface between Mozilla and Java?

Quote:

That 137 M Java folder could be replaced by an SFS.

Mine is (was) a folder in the home directory, with symlink to library in /lib/mozilla.

The plugin requires JRE to run, but again, the issue is only the plugin for browsers that support it to begin with. Oracle will no doubt provide a fix.

Leave it to HomeLand Security to supply guidelines. Perhaps people should throw away their smart phones too. Like we've never had a browser vulnerability before. Probably the greatest threat to your personal info is HomeLand Security.

edit: I have firefox on a windows computer with the vulnerable java plugin. There's a notice that it's been blocked by mozilla since Aug 31, 2012 !!

Java was responsible for 50 percent of all cyber attacks last year in which hackers broke into computers by exploiting software bugs, according to Kaspersky. That was followed by Adobe Reader, which was involved in 28 percent of all incidents. Microsoft Windows and Internet Explorer were involved in about 3 percent of incidents, according to the survey.

Yeah...the plugin has been blocked since August 31, 2012 (read the "more information"). Hardly new information; maybe new for "Homeland Security".Last edited by jpeps on Sun 13 Jan 2013, 14:11; edited 1 time in total

Isn't that a good thing that they're blocking Java._________________What consenting adults do in their bedroom is none of your business so if you think there is something wrong with homosexuality and your bothered by it, then you're an idiot who needs to mind their own business.

Years ago it was probably considered a cool idea to be able to run little programs through your browser. Now we have malicious code in even in graphics. Why would you want to allow some external site to be able to run programs on your machine through your browser? Note that there's a "disable" button on all your plugins. Better yet...use a text browser whenever possible (links2 includes wonderful graphics).

Unfortunately, this story has dragged on for weeks and months.... It was just a matter of time before this story came to light again. As I noted in this thread here Oracle has known about many of the security flaws for a long time, and still has about fifty or so known issues to fix since its last update. Now that one or more flaws are being actively exploited, hopefully, the good news is that it may push Oracle to finish its patchwork sooner than later...

Monsie_________________My username is pronounced: "mun-see". Derived from my surname, it was my nickname throughout high school.

even with the new update, a lot of security bugs remain._________________What consenting adults do in their bedroom is none of your business so if you think there is something wrong with homosexuality and your bothered by it, then you're an idiot who needs to mind their own business.

..and will continue if you're stupid enough to go to unfamiliar sites with a web browser that has a plugin that allows applets to be run by the external site. Fortunately, HomeLand security is here to protect your personal identification from being compromised (unless they need it).

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